Give back, make magic, and experience something you thought you never could as a volunteer

Laughter is the best medicine.

Doctors can’t heal everything, we believe magic and laughter can help a child turn the corner at the most critical point in their treatment. As a volunteer, you’ll be responsible for building magical moments for kids in challenging situations; creating laughter at the most vulnerable of times; and providing joy to kids isolated in the hospital.

The best part? We will teach you everything so you when you start, you’ll feel confident in creating these amazing experiences with kids in any situation you may face. We want you to feel at ease visiting young patients and their families, because when you do, your real personality can come out through your magic.

How Bedside Magic® works:

• Meeting sick kids where they are
• Working hand-in-hand with Hospital Staff
• Including siblings, parents, and other guests
• Empowering kids with tricks of their very own
• Creating individualized moments for kids to laugh and fine hope
• Becoming as knowledgeable and prepared as any OHM Hospital Magician through our Magic University Training

APPLY TO BE A HOSPITAL MAGICIAN

Imagine the power of reducing a child’s stress, rebuilding their attention and restarting their ability to laugh again.

You will reach kids at their most vulnerable and weakest points. Maybe you’ll find yourself in pediatric intensive care, the burn unit, or oncology … wherever the young patient is, you can imagine the stress they’re experiencing. The fear they’re feelling. It will be your visit and magical approach that makes the difference. Being responsible for transforming a young patient into a laughing child again will leave you with a feeling you didn’t know was possible through volunteering.

Parents will tell you that this was the first time they’ve seen their child laugh or smile since being in the hospital.

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“There is no better feeling than walking into a quiet & solemn hospital room, spending twenty minutes in there, and walking out to hootin’ and hollerin’. Easily the best part of my week!”

You are the secret behind the magic.

To deliver unique experiences you need unique people. And Open Heart Magic volunteers are unlike anyone else. Filled with passion, energy, and charisma the characters within our Hospital Magician community are what set this program a part. Not only are they on the frontlines, helping kids at critical times, but they are fun to connect with at trainings, meetups, Conferences, and fundraisers.

Are you looking for a purpose? Something worth your time and effort?

Join this special community and find yours with Open Heart Magic. Delivering laughter and joy to kids at this critical time is unlike anything else. In just a matter of minutes, you will watch young patients magically transform into laughing kids, and it will be all because of you.

APPLY TO BE A HOSPITAL MAGICIAN

Don’t know magic? Don’t worry.

Open Heart Magic’s volunteer training is world-class. Working directly at a child’s hospital bedside is a unique privilege, and an environment that can be completely unpredictable. The good news is, Magic University training will prepare you for everything – and not just how to perform professional sleight-of-hand.

Magic University prepares you to work confidently and comfortably with kids in any situation. Our training prepares you to:

• Safely reach kids in vulnerable situations
• Connect with young patients and their families
• Adapt performances to meet kids where they are
• … and more!

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“Magic U. was the hardest (and most fun) class I’ve ever taken. I tell people all the time it was better than any grad school class! And especially at graduation, getting my magic jacket meant the world to me as I knew I was now ready to help kids.”

A volunteer role unlike any other.

Working with kids at their hospital bedside is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The feeling that comes from making a young patient laugh and smile is addictive. It’s unlike anything else and once you get started, you won’t want to stop.

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“To see the eyes just light up – parents, family, and patients alike – with each bedside visit, it’s what keeps me going.”

APPLY TO BE A HOSPITAL MAGICIAN

Questions?

If you have questions about becoming a Hospital Magician, please reach out to our Senior Program Manager, Aaron Wolf.

EMAIL AARON

Chicago Children’s Hospital Partners

• Advocate Children’s Hospital — Oak Lawn
• Advocate Children’s Hospital — Park Ridge
• Alexian Brothers Women & Children’s Hospital
• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital
• Central DuPage Hospital
• Loyola University Medical Center
• Northshore Evanston Hospital
• Rush University Children’s Hospital
• University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital

Cleveland Children’s Hospital Partners

• Cleveland Clinic Children’s
• University Hospital Rainbow Babies & Children’s

Ann Arbor Children’s Hospital Partners

• University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s

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“When I entered the room, a sick young boy was alone on the floor playing with a toy. I got down on the floor next to him and brought out my deck of cards. I then realized the boy was blind. Because of my training, I was able to seamlessly switch to tricks relying on touch and feel. When I left the room, I saw the little boy, still on the floor, grinning from ear to ear. He could not see the tears in my eyes.”